• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
    • Main Course
    • Side Dishes
    • Desserts
    • Dips and Appetizers
    • Low Carb and Keto
  • Kitchen Product Reviews
  • This for That
My Kitchen Serenity
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Main Course
  • Side Dishes
  • Desserts
  • Dips and Appetizers
  • Low Carb and Keto
  • Ingredient Substitutions
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Easy Chocolate Chess Pie

    Easy Chocolate Chess Pie

    Published: Nov 23, 2021 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 28 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    EASY CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE
    EASY CHOCOLATE CHESS PIE
    slice of pie on white plate

    This southern chocolate chess pie is an authentic southern dessert. Rich and creamy are the best two words to describe this classic chess pie from an old family recipe.

    If you have never eaten a slice of chocolate chess pie, then making this recipe is a must! Its rich chocolate flavor is pure bliss! This recipe could not be any easier - just mix the ingredients with a whisk and pour into a store-bought crust. 

    slice of chess pie on white plate with fork. dollop of whipped cream on top of pie
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Why You'll Love This Pie
    • What Goes Into this Recipe
    • Kitchen Tools Needed
    • How to Make This Pie
    • Expert Tips:
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Amazing Pie Recipes 
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    Why This Recipe Works

    This is the best pie recipe with simple ingredients.  One thing that makes this an easy dessert recipe is that you will use a pre-made pie crust. Hooray! 

    Before pouring all of the ingredients into the pie crust, I recommend "blind baking" the crust.  Simply means to prick the raw crust a few times with a fork and pre-bake the pie crust for 5 minutes.  I do this because the filling is very "liquidy" and pre-baking the crust seems to help the bottom of the crust stay firm and not get soggy.

    Honestly, I've tried to make a homemade pie crust and it never turns out as good or as pretty as the pre-made so I'm sticking with what I know works best for me. If you have the talent to make your own pie crust, I envy you 🙂

    Why You'll Love This Pie

    Words can not describe how delicious this chocolate pie is. After baking, the rich creamy chocolate pie filling has a slightly crisp top. Don't ask me how or why the top of this pie is crispy, thin and crunchy like candy, because I don't know why (maybe it's the butter and sugar combo).  All I know is this pie turns out great and is always a huge hit.

    There is no cornstarch or flour added to the pie filling.  You may have seen other chess pie recipes that call for cornstarch or flour, but this recipe simply does not require either of them.

    You may wonder if this recipe came from my grandmother but actually, it came from my grandmother's (we called her Mimi) sister (Alice Ruth).  I was very pleased to find this old family recipe. Family recipes are sentimental, special treasures. Every time I look at an old, handwritten recipe card, I vividly remember who that recipe came from and all the wonderful memories.

    This recipe uses evaporated milk. I talked about how great this stuff is on a previous recipe post:  Family Favorite Stuffed French Bread. It really does make a HUGE difference in the creaminess and richness of a recipe. If for some reason, you can't find evaporated milk, use whole milk instead.

    You can sprinkle some confectioner's sugar on top of the pie AFTER it has completely cooled; if not completely cooled, the powdered sugar will absorb into the warm pie.  Top with whipped cream or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream (or both like we do, lol).

    What Goes Into this Recipe

    (be sure to scroll down to the printable recipe card for more detailed and helpful information)

    chocolate chess pie ingredients measured out in bowls on counter top
    • Unbaked Pie Shell - deep dish crust is recommended to prevent spillage.  You can use a deep-dish graham cracker crust instead; however, a regular pie crust is more traditional.
    • Cocoa powder - use unsweetened cocoa powder
    • Sugar - granulated white sugar
    • Evaporated Milk - adds to the rich flavor and creamy texture
    • Vanilla Extract - use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor
    • Eggs - it's best to use room temperature eggs
    • Butter - use salted or unsalted 
    • Pinch of Salt 

    Kitchen Tools Needed

    Seasoned cooks pretty much know which kitchen tools they'll need for this pie, but if you're someone just starting out, I got ya covered! I want you to have the best experience possible.

    Deep dish pie plate (or just use the aluminum pan the crust already comes in)

    Large mixing bowl

    Measuring cup(s)

    Measuring spoons

    Whisk

    How to Make This Pie

    photo collage of recipe steps

    (1) Preheat oven to 350F. Prick the pie shell a few times with a fork and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven.  

    (2) Add the remaining ingredients into a mixing bowl.

    (3) Using a wire whisk, mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl and pour into pie shell. 

    (4) Bake for 35-40 minutes (I've had people tell me they've baked the pie for up to 50 minutes, so please check the pie often.  If the crust starts to get too brown before the pie is done, you can remove the pie from the oven and cover the edges of the crust with foil; then return pie to oven to finish baking. 

    Alternatively, before you begin your baking project, you could purchase a pie crust protector shield like this one from Mrs. Anderson's Baking.  Available now on Amazon.

    Trust me, this pie is spectacular all by itself. But if you prefer to "dress it up" I suggest topping it with powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream; you've got yourself a winning dessert each and every time. Note:  wait for the pie to completely cool before adding powdered sugar because the powdered sugar will get gummy on top of a hot pie.

    Expert Tips:

    • Before baking, place the unfilled pie crust on a cookie sheet.  Then pour the ingredients into the pie.  This makes it easier to get the pie in and out of the oven without spilling any of the filling.
    • Try serving with some fresh strawberries or blueberries, as well.  This pie is awesome when served with a glass of ice-cold milk!
    • Serve with a dollop of peanut butter on top or on the side.  This tip brought to you by my chocolate-peanut-butter-combination-loving husband!
    • After the pie has cooled, sprinkle some sea on top for that sweet-salty combo.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why Did My Chess Pie Separate?

    To keep your chess pie from separating, just make sure the butter is softened, not melted when you make the pie.  You can soften the butter in the microwave but be careful not to get it so hot that it melts.

    How Long Will Chocolate Chess Pie Keep?

    I would say yes because I think it tastes better cold and because of the dairy ingredients although it's cooked. Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to 2 days.  When you plan to serve it, you can take it out of the refrigerator and place it on the counter to come to room temperature if you prefer.  

    Can Chocolate Chess Pie Be Frozen?

    You can definitely freeze this pie if you want to make it in advance. Bake it as directed and let it cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap in foil.  The day before you plan to serve it, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.

    Whole Chocolate Chess Pie in white pie plate with silver pie server on the side and blue napkin

    More Amazing Pie Recipes 

    • Southern Lemon Chess Pie
    • Frozen Strawberry Margarita Pie With Pretzel Crust
    • Gluten-Free Banana Cream Pie
    • Mini Pumpkin Pies

    How to Transport a Pie

    So now that you've made this delicious pie, what is the best way to transport it?  I recently discovered a plastic carrier that's perfect for transporting pies, muffins, and cupcakes.  It's the Southern Homewares 3-in-1 Plastic Holder Container.  It offers easy-grip handles, a snap-tight lid, and it's made out of durable plastic.  Available now on Amazon!

    If you tried this chess pie, please rate and review it below so I know how it turned out. If you’d like more recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, you can sign up for my email newsletter below.

    Need more great recipe ideas?  Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram to get more delicious recipe ideas in your feed.

    If you'd like more simple and easy recipe inspiration delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter.

    Recipe

    Whole Chocolate Chess Pie

    Easy Chocolate Chess Pie Recipe

    This easy chocolate chess pie recipe is so delicious you’ll become hooked after just one bite. Rich and decadent are the best two words to describe this chocolate chess pie from an old family recipe. 
    4.55 from 35 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 8
    Calories: 260kcal
    Author: Anne Clark

    Equipment

    • deep dish pie plate
    • large mixing bowl
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons
    • whisk

    Ingredients

    • 1 Unbaked pie shell (recommend deep dish)
    • 2 eggs
    • 3 tablespoons cocoa
    • 1-⅓ cups sugar
    • 5 ounces evaporated milk
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 4 tablespoons butter, softened (½ stick)
    • pinch of salt

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 350.  Prick the pie shell a few times with a fork and bake for 5 minutes.  Remove from oven.
    • Add remaining ingredients to a mixing bowl.
    • Use a wire whisk to mix ingredients. Whisk for about 2 minutes.
    • Place the pie shell onto a cookie sheet (this helps to prevent spillage and also helps with handling a pie in and out of the oven). Pour filling into pie shell.  Bake for 35-40 minutes or until set and not jiggly. SEE NOTE BELOW!!

    Notes

    (A) The pie filling won't be thick before baking; in fact, it will be quite liquidy.  This is OK!  After the pie bakes and cools, it will thicken nicely.
    (B) I've had people tell me they've baked the pie for up to 50 minutes, so please check the pie often. If the crust starts to get too brown before the pie is done, you can remove the pie from the oven and cover the edges of the crust with foil; then return pie to oven to finish baking.
    (C) Store chocolate chess pie in the refrigerator.
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 260kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 185mg | Potassium: 126mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 277IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

    This recipe was originally published in 2018 and was updated in 2021.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Creamy, Cheesy Southern Cabbage Casserole
    Southern Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mamie Gray Bowes

      December 04, 2021 at 12:30 pm

      The recipe calls for softened butter. I add it just like that and whisked batter. The butter was in small pieces but I poured it into the pie shell like that.bwas this correct?

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        December 04, 2021 at 3:35 pm

        Hi Mamie. I’m just now seeing your question. I would think it would be fine like that. As long as the butter is softened. Let me know how it turned out. Thanks!

        Reply
    2. Marci

      November 22, 2022 at 7:47 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds delicious. Can you freeze this pie?

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        November 22, 2022 at 9:05 pm

        Hi Marci! You can definitely freeze this pie if you want to make it in advance. Bake it as directed and let it cool completely. Wrap in plastic wrap, then wrap in foil. The day before you plan to serve it, remove it from the freezer and place it in the refrigerator to thaw.

        Reply
    3. Lauren

      November 25, 2022 at 7:37 am

      5 stars
      5 stars all the way! The pro tips are perfect, baking the crust for 5 minutes and using softened -not melted- butter makes it perfect!

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        November 25, 2022 at 8:44 am

        Yay, Lauren! Thank you so much for letting me know. I'm glad you liked the pie!

        Reply
    4. Shirley Puckett

      January 01, 2023 at 11:52 pm

      Made this pie and the chocolate layer separated from the custard layer. Has anyone else had this problem? Any advice? Could it be that I melted the butter before adding it to the other ingredients? Please advise.

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        January 02, 2023 at 8:10 am

        Hey Shirley. Melting the butter could very well be the issue. It’s amazing the difference it can make, I’ve learned this many times. Thank you for posting your question! Happy holidays

        Reply
    5. AK

      January 09, 2023 at 12:37 am

      5 stars
      This is the chocolate lava cake flavor I was hoping for. Other chocolate chess pie recipes are dark and rich, which is good, but I really like and prefer the “sweeter” chocolate filling. Love it!

      Reply
      • Anne Clark

        January 09, 2023 at 7:35 am

        Thank you so much for letting me know! I’ve never thought of it as having a chocolate lava cake flavor, but you’re right. I’m glad you loved it 🙂

        Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Profile picture pose outside in front of tall brown grass in lavender floral blouse

    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at [email protected] 

    I’d love to hear from you!

    Recently Updated

    • Irish Nachos
    • Keto Cauliflower Soup
    • Broccoli Bacon Salad
    • Cast Iron Pork Tenderloin

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Homemade Cornbread Dressing
    • Easy Chocolate Chess Pie
    • Southern Mac and Cheese Baked
    • Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze
    • Creamy, Cheesy Southern Cabbage Casserole
    • Keto Pumpkin Bars with Candied Pecan Topping

    Popular Recipes

    • How to Cook Brats in the Oven
    • Southern Baked Beans
    • Easy Rotel Chicken Spaghetti
    • Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    • Easy BLT Dip with Cream Cheese
    • Keto Stuffed Bell Peppers

    Cajun Favorites

    • Cajun Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya
    • Easy Red Beans and Rice with Sausage
    • Cajun Butter Chicken
    • Easy Shrimp and Rice Casserole
    • Fried Green Tomatoes with Shrimp Cajun Sauce
    • Easy Keto Jambalaya Recipe

    Footer

    collage of all featured articles

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Privacy

    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
    • Accessibility Statement
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    25142 shares